Charles Lancaster .470 Nitro Express

[herb]

Sharing some pics of my Charles Lancaster .470 Nitro Express Double Rifle made in 1910.

28" inch barrels, quarter rib with express sights.



























I found it very interesting that Lancaster also had a warrant from the Nizam of Hyderabad along with many others as seen in this label.

[herb]

For “Out of Africa” movie fans and fellow forum members who love history, here is a storied Charles Lancaster that came up for sale a few years ago.

"Out of Africa" is one of my favourite movies and I found it interesting that the serial# is 32 numbers after mine(#13283), this is of course a a higher grade sidelock gun.

THE HON. DENYS FINCH HATTON BIG GAME RIFLE A CHARLES LANCASTER .450 (3 1/4IN) NITRO EXPRESS SIDELOCK EJECTOR DOUBLE RIFLE, no. 13315
The story of Denys Finch Hatton and his love affair with Karen Blixen (his only known romance) is immortalised by Robert Redford and Meryl Streep in the Academy Award-winning film 'Out Of Africa' (1985).

More pics and details can be found here...
https://www.holtsauctioneers.com/asp/fu ... 99&image=0

[herb]

Some additional pics from old Lancaster catalogue ...

[herb]

Some very fine guns made by Lancaster for Indian Maharajah's

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOuy021nhV4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRzfpG5gj3Q&t=495s

[GVS]

For “Out of Africa” movie fans and fellow forum members who love history, here is a storied Charles Lancaster that came up for sale a few years ago.

"Out of Africa" is one of my favourite movies and I found it interesting that the serial# is 32 numbers after mine(#13283), this is of course a a higher grade sidelock gun.

THE HON. DENYS FINCH HATTON BIG GAME RIFLE A CHARLES LANCASTER .450 (3 1/4IN) NITRO EXPRESS SIDELOCK EJECTOR DOUBLE RIFLE, no. 13315
The story of Denys Finch Hatton and his love affair with Karen Blixen (his only known romance) is immortalised by Robert Redford and Meryl Streep in the Academy Award-winning film 'Out Of Africa' (1985).

More pics and details can be found here...
https://www.holtsauctioneers.com/asp/fu ... 99&image=0

A very beautiful rifle, no doubt. Thanks for sharing the pics herb and out of africa is one of my all time favorite movies as well.

[Vikram]

Herb,

Thank you for sharing the photos and information related to Charles Lancaster. You have a veritable piece of gun making history in your hands. A lovely looking rifle you have there. Do you shoot with it once in a while? How is the experience?

[eljefe]

Immaculate sight for sore eyes, Herb.
And- all the visible screws are clocked.

Congratulations on the pleasure of owning this rifle.

[shooter50]

Beautiful rifle. Thank you for posting. Has it made a trip to Africa?

[herb]

Thanks folks, glad you liked the rifle.

[herb]

Herb,

Thank you for sharing the photos and information related to Charles Lancaster. You have a veritable piece of gun making history in your hands. A lovely looking rifle you have there. Do you shoot with it once in a while? How is the experience?

I have shot it a couple of times at target, not a fan of the recoil or the noise. I am sure that should not be a problem in a hunting scenario but shooting at targets is no fun. I prefer my .22's for that.

[Vikram]

I have shot it a couple of times at target, not a fan of the recoil or the noise. I am sure that should not be a problem in a hunting scenario but shooting at targets is no fun. I prefer my .22's for that.

One can only imagine.

[timmy]

I have shot it a couple of times at target, not a fan of the recoil or the noise. I am sure that should not be a problem in a hunting scenario but shooting at targets is no fun. I prefer my .22's for that.

Herb, I can't blame you a bit! I think it is enough to look at and hold such a firearm and admire its beauty and workmanship.

I had experiences in my 20s that I don't care to repeat. Now, I don't mind wearing a recoil "sissy pad" and don't much care who knows it.

It would seem reasonable to touch off a few, just to do it, but beyond that, it wouldn't be my choice of entertainment.

I sure do appreciate you sharing photos of your wonderful guns! Thank you!

[herb]

Beautiful rifle. Thank you for posting. Has it made a trip to Africa?

Not with me but I am assuming that it must have made the trip with one of the previous owners. The rifle was made in 1910 when the British empire was flourishing and it was the golden period of African and Indian Safaris. I am sure that it was ordered by its owner for an African or Indian trip.

[Shadmohammed]

is itd ammunition available in India

[herb]

I assume it must be available in India as it is a very popular calibre for dangerous game PAC (problem animal control). I left India about 30 years ago and currently live in Canada , the ammo is available here although very expensive.

https://store.theshootingcentre.com/hor ... mmunition/
Nearly $50 per bullet after tax (about Rs. 3000) here in Canada, I am sure it will be much higher in India due to the custom duties.